Le transport subcellulaire et la traduction localisée des molécules d'ARNm semble être un processus très répandu et important pour contrôler la distribution asymétrique des protéines dans les cellules. L’ARNm, Bsg25D, connu pour se localiser aux centrosomes et aux microtubules astraux dans les embryons de drosophile au cours des premiers événements d'embryogenèse, a été sélectionné pour déterminer le rôle et l'importance du ciblage de l'ARNm à l'appareil mitotique lors de la division cellulaire. La localisation de Bsg25D aux centrosomes dans les embryons de drosophile est conservée entre espèces telles que D. melanogaster, D. simulans et D. yakuba. Bsg25D encode une protéine qui est étroitement liée à la Ninein (Nin) et à la Ninein-like protein (Nlp), deux protéines associées aux centrosomes présentes dans les cellules mammifères. L’analyse structure-fonction démontre que la région codante et la région 3’UTR de Bsg25D sont nécessaires pour son ciblage. Ceci suggère qu’un élément de régulation en cis, qui favorise sa localisation se situe dans la région codante + 3’UTR. / The subcellular transport and localized translation of mRNA molecules is emerging as a highly prevalent and important process for controlling asymmetric protein distribution in cells. A candidate mRNA, Bsg25D, known to localize to centrosomes and astral microtubules in Drosophila embryos during early events of embryogenesis, was selected to determine the role and importance of mRNA targeting to the mitotic apparatus during cell division. The localization of Bsg25D to centrosomes in Drosophila embryos is conserved between species such as D. melanogaster, D. simulans and D. yakuba. Bsg25D encodes a protein closely related to centrosome-associated proteins Ninein (Nin) and Ninein-like protein (Nlp) in mammalian cells. Structure function analysis revealed that the coding and 3’UTR of Bsg25D are necessary for its targeting pattern, suggesting that a cis-regulatory motif that drives its localization, is in the coding + 3’ UTR region.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory bowel disease involving Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Other microorganisms such as adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) have also been proposed in CD association. To date, only one study investigated both MAP and AIEC simultaneously using peripheral blood but not in affected intestinal tissues. A standardized and effective antibiotic therapy against MAP and/or AIEC is needed for better treatment. Three antibiotic drugs – Clarithromycin (CLA), Rifabutin (RIF), and Clofazimine (CLO) have been used to treat CD patients suspected with MAP infection. However, the outcome has been controversial. The treatment dosage is high, the duration is long, and the reported drug side effects resulted in patient non-compliance; therefore, a lower and effective drug dosage is needed. In this study, we developed two aims 1) to evaluate RHB 104, a drug formula comprised of low dosages of CLA, RIF, and CLO, against clinical MAP strains in-vitro using fluorescence quenching method, and 2) to develop a fluorescence in-situ hybridization method to detect both MAP and AIEC simultaneously in intestinal tissues of CD patients. A total of 16 clinical MAP strains and 19 non-MAP strains were tested against varied concentrations of RHB 104, CLA, RIF, and CLO. Although the MIC for all drugs ranged between 0.5-20 ?g/ml, the MIC for RHB 104 was significantly lower against most MAP strains. The effect of RHB 104 against MAP was bactericidal. Unlike RHB-104 formula, CLA, CLO, and RIF dosage similar to those in RHB-104 did not inhibit MAP growth when trialed individually and in dual-drug combinations. The data illustrated the presence of synergistic anti-MAP activity of low dosage of the three antibiotics in RHB-104. We also developed a rapid and sensitive multicolor in-situ hybridization technique that can detect MAP and AIEC using tagged-oligonucleotide probes. Non-pathogenic Escherichia coli (npEC) was used as a control for the study. Specifically, cultured MAP and npEC were fixed and hybridized with MAP488 and EC647 probes, respectively. Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) revealed specific signals at 488nm for MAP and 647nm for npEC, indicating probe binding to each bacteria. This was confirmed with hybridization of MAP with EC647 and npEC with MAP488 resulting in absence of signals. Intestinal tissue samples from 9 CD patients were then analyzed using our technique. Preliminary data indicated positive results in 6/6 samples for MAP, 6/6 for npEC, 3/3 for AIEC, and 2/2 for both MAP and AIEC with MAP being more dominant. This protocol shortened the FISH procedure from multiple days to short-hours. The protocol allows the investigation of more than one pathogen simultaneously in the same clinical sample. A quantitative measurement of the signals is needed.

Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms play important roles in the control of lineage-specific differentiation during development. However, mechanisms that regulate higher-order chromatin remodelling and transcription of keratinocyte-specific genes that are clustered in the genome into three distinct loci (Keratin type I/II loci and Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC) during differentiation of the epidermis are poorly understood. By using 3D-Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH), we determined that in the epidermal keratinocytes, the KtyII and EDC loci are located closely to each other in the nuclear compartment enriched by the nuclear speckles. However, in KtyII locus knockout mice, EDC locus moved away from the KtyII locus flanking regions and nuclear speckles towards the nuclear periphery, which is associated with marked changes in gene expression described previously. Chromatin architectural protein Ctcf has previously been implicated in the control of long-range enhancer-promoter contacts and inter-chromosomal interactions. Ctcf is broadly expressed in the skin including epidermal keratinocytes and hair follicles. Conditional Keratin 14-driven Ctcf ablation in mice results in the increase of the epidermal thickness, proliferation, alterations of the epidermal barrier and the development of epidermal pro-inflammatory response. Epidermal barrier defects in Krt14CreER/Ctcf fl/fl mice are associated with marked changes in gene expression in the EDC and KtyII loci, which become topologically segregated in the nucleus upon Ctcf ablation. Therefore, these data suggest that Ctcf serves as critical determinant regulating higher-order chromatin organization in lineage-specific gene loci in epidermal keratinocytes, which is required for the proper control of gene expression, maintenance of the epidermal barrier and its function.

Cytogenetics of spiders of the infraorder Mygalomorphae is largely unknown. My thesis is focused on the karyotype evolution of spiders of families Hexathelidae Dipluridae, which are basal groups of the superfamily Avicularioidea. In this thesis the evolution of diploid chromosome number, chromosome morfology, and also sex chromosomes are studied. The karyotypes of the mygalomorphs are quite interesting for their diversity. Many members of the family Hexathelidae exhibit extreme systems of a chromosomal sex determination which are composed by many gonosomes X. The meiotic division of males is analyzed. Some species exhibit modifications of this division such as achiazmatic meiosis. Selected markers have been detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Keywords: evolution, fluorescent in situ hybridization, karyotype, nucleolus organizer region, sex chromosomes, spider

A diversidade bacteriana pode ser estudada, combinando técnicas convencionais e técnicas que empreguem tecnologias modernas para sua melhor compreensão. O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar a diversidade de bactérias cultiváveis e não cultiváveis em amostras de água do mar coletadas no Canal de São Sebastião no período de agosto/2005 a março/2007. As bactérias marinhas foram quantificadas em Agar marinho e identificadas por seqüenciamento do gene 16S rDNA. A concentração dos grupos a-, b-, g- e s-proteobacteria foi verificada através da técnica de FISH. A comunidade total foi analisada através da construção de três bibliotecas mensais (novembro/2006, fevereiro/2006, fevereiro/2007). O seqüenciamento identificou 87% das bactérias marinhas como Vibrio sp. A técnica de FISH detectou maior concentração de b-proteobacteria (10,2%), em relação ao número de células totais (DAPI) que variou de 7,0x106 a 2,3x107 céls/mL. As bibliotecas de clones foram compostas pelos filos Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Verrucomicrobia e Chloroflexi. / Microbial diversity can be studied by a combination of techniques of both conventional and modern approaches for better understanding. The aim of this study was analyze marine bacteria culturable and nonculturable diversity from seawater samples collected at São Sebastião Channel during August 2005 to March 2007. Marine bacteria were quantified using Marine Agar and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Concentration of a-, b-, g- e s-proteobacteria group was verified through three clones library monthly (November 2006, February 2006, February 2007). The sequencing identified 87% of marine bacteria such as Vibrio sp. The FISH technique to detect higher concentration of b-proteobacteria (10.2%), compared to number total cells (DAPI) which range from 7.0 x 106 to 2.3 x 107 cells/mL. Clones library were composed of the phylum Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Verrucomicrobia e Chloroflexi.

A phylogenetic tree based on ITS1, Adh1 and ndhF grouped the species of the genus Sorghum into one distinct monophyletic group, but including two sister lineages, one with x=5, the other with x=10 as basic chromosome numbers. The goal of this study was to elucidate major patterns in Sorghum genome evolution, particularly n=5 vs. n=10 genomes. A very recent molecular cytogenetic study in our laboratory revealed striking structural karyotypic rearrangements between S. bicolor (x=10) and an x=5 Sorghum species, S. angustum; so an immediate objective here was to determine if identical or similar rearrangements exist in other wild Sorghum species. Our approach was [1] to extend similar methods to additional species, i.e., fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses of sorghum genomic bacterial artificial chromosome clones and multi-BAC cocktail probes to mitotic chromosomes of S. angustum, S. versicolor, S. brachypodum and S. intrans; and [2] to augment the BAC-FISH findings by comparing telomeric and ribosomal DNA FISH signal distributions to x=5 and x=10 Sorghum species. Signals from in situ hybridizations of BAC-based probes were insufficiently robust and insufficiently localized to delineate FISH signal patterns akin to those discovered previously in S. angustum. Southern blots of the same BACs to restricted DNA of these species revealed relatively moderate affinity to smeared DNA, suggesting homology to non-tandemized sequences. FISH of the A-type TRS (Arabidopsis-like telomeric repeat sequence) revealed its presence is limited to terminal chromosomal regions of the Sorghum species tested, except S. brachypodum, which displayed intercalary signal on one chromosome and no detachable signal at its termini region. The hybridization of 45S and 5S rDNA revealed that the respective sites of tandemized clusters differ among species in terms of size, number and location, except S. angustum versus S. versicolor. Well localized BAC-FISH signals normally occur when signals from low-copy sequences discernibly exceed background signal, including those from hybridization of dispersed repetitive elements. The low level of signal intensity from BAC low-copy sequences relative to the background signal "noise" seems most likely due to low homology and(or) technical constraints. Extensive dispersal of low-copy sequences that are syntenic in S. bicolor seems unlikely, but possible. In conclusion, the result was a lack of clear experimental success with BAC-FISH and an inability to effectively screen for S. angustum-like rearrangements using BAC-FISH. The telomeric and rDNA FISH indicated that the x=5 genomes vary extensively. One can surmise that although the arrangements seen in S. angustum might extend to S. versicolor, they certainly do not extend to S. versicolor, they certainly do not extend to S. intrans or S. brachypodum. It is clear that S. brachypodum has telomeric repeats that are either very short or rely on some sequence other than the A-type TRS.

Título de Ingeniería en Biotecnología Molecular / Los mecanismos involucrados en el control post-transcripcional del ciclo replicativo del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH), específicamente los eventos moleculares que permiten la interacción del ARN genómico (ARNg) viral con la maquinaria celular para su transporte, traducción o empaque dentro de la célula, aún no han sido completamente dilucidados. Actualmente existen diversas técnicas para el estudio de la localización sub-celular de ARNg, entre las que destaca RNA FISH (RNA Fluorescent in situ hybridization), método ampliamente utilizado para el estudio de la localización y cambios temporales de ARN y ribonucleoproteínas. Generalmente, en esta técnica se utilizan sondas acopladas a fluoróforos orgánicos que hibridan a regiones específicas para las que han sido diseñadas. No obstante, estas sondas presentan fotoblanqueamiento significativo, y un espectro de emisión amplio (50-100 nm), lo que limita su uso. Es por esto que surge la necesidad de recurrir a nuevas alternativas, tales como sondas acopladas a Quantum dots (QDs), los cuales en contraste con fluoróforos orgánicos poseen una vida fluorescente significativamente más larga, mayor fotoestabilidad y un amplio espectro de absorción. Considerando lo anterior, en el presente trabajo se propone la construcción de sondas específicas asociadas a QDs compuestos de Cadmio-Telurio recubiertos por Glutatión (QDs CdTe- GSH) que reconocen la región pBSK-GagPol como matriz para la transcripción in vitro, obteniendo así fragmentos de ARN, los cuales fueron desfosforilados en su extremo 5', para luego incorporarles en su lugar un fosfato γ unido a un grupo sulfhidrilo (SH). De esta forma, los transcritos de ARN fueron capaces de unirse a QDs CdTe-GSH a través de enlaces disulfuro. Generando así sondas de ARN xiii acoplada a QDs CdTe-GSH capaces de unirse al ARNg de VIH-1 en presencia y ausencia de la proteína Rev,la cual actúa como un regulador clave en el control post-transcripcional de la expresión génica viral, actuando principalmente en los procesos de exportación nuclear y traducción. De manera que en estas condiciones fue posible validar a través de experimentos de RNA FISH, el ingreso citoplasmático y nuclear de la sonda de ARN acoplada a QDs CdTe-GSH, además de una interacción específica con el ARN genómico de VIH-1. Este hecho representa la prueba de concepto de que es posible generar una sonda acoplada a QDs específica contra el ARN genómico de VIH-1, permitiendo el estudio de la expresión génica del virus, lo que también abre nuevas posibilidades para el estudio de VIH-2 u otros tipos de virus. / The mechanisms involved in the post-transcriptional control of the replicative cycle of the Human Immudeficiency Virus (HIV), specifically the molecular events allowing the interaction between the viral genomic RNA (gRNA) and the cellular machinery for the transport, translation or packaging, have not been elucidated yet. Currently, the study of localization and temporary changes of RNA and ribonucleoproteins relies mainly on RNA FISH (RNA Fluorescent in situ hybridization)-based strategies. RNA FISH uses specific hybridization probes coupled to organic fluorophores. However, these fluorescent molecules commonly present limiting characteristics such as significant photobleaching and a wide emission spectrum (50-100 nm). Therefore, a considerable demand arises for new alternatives, such as probed coupled to Quantum dots (QDs), which in contrast to organic fluorophores, exhibit longer fluorescence lifetime, higher photostability and broad absorption spectra. Considering previous facts, the aim of this work was to develop specific probes coupled to glutathione-capped cadmium-telluride quantum dots (QDs CdTe-GSH), able of recognizing and associate with the Gag-Pol region present on the HIV-1 genomic RNA (gRNA). Thus, in order to achieve this objective, the vector pBSK-GagPol was used as a template for in vitro transcription of Gag-Pol complementary RNA, which was fragmented and dephosphorylated at the 5' end, with the purpose to incorporate a γ phosphate coupled to a sulfhydryl group (SH) instead. Then, the SH-containing RNA fragments were attached to QDs CdTe-GSH by a disulfide bond. As a result, we generated single-stranded RNA probes coupled to QDs CdTe-GSH capable of hybridizing to HIV-1 gRNA in the presence and absence of the viral protein Rev, which acts as a key regulator of the post-transcriptional control of viral gene expression acting mainly during nuclear export and translation. Thereby, under these conditions, we validated the cytoplasmic and nuclear entrance of the probe coupled to Qds CdTe-GSH, and specific interaction between the probe and gRNA of HIV-1. This fact represents the proof of concept that it is possible to generate RNA probes coupled to QDs CdTe-GSH to study genetic expression of HIV-1, and also opens up new opportunities for the study of HIV-2 or other virus types.

A diversidade bacteriana pode ser estudada, combinando técnicas convencionais e técnicas que empreguem tecnologias modernas para sua melhor compreensão. O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar a diversidade de bactérias cultiváveis e não cultiváveis em amostras de água do mar coletadas no Canal de São Sebastião no período de agosto/2005 a março/2007. As bactérias marinhas foram quantificadas em Agar marinho e identificadas por seqüenciamento do gene 16S rDNA. A concentração dos grupos a-, b-, g- e s-proteobacteria foi verificada através da técnica de FISH. A comunidade total foi analisada através da construção de três bibliotecas mensais (novembro/2006, fevereiro/2006, fevereiro/2007). O seqüenciamento identificou 87% das bactérias marinhas como Vibrio sp. A técnica de FISH detectou maior concentração de b-proteobacteria (10,2%), em relação ao número de células totais (DAPI) que variou de 7,0x106 a 2,3x107 céls/mL. As bibliotecas de clones foram compostas pelos filos Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Verrucomicrobia e Chloroflexi. / Microbial diversity can be studied by a combination of techniques of both conventional and modern approaches for better understanding. The aim of this study was analyze marine bacteria culturable and nonculturable diversity from seawater samples collected at São Sebastião Channel during August 2005 to March 2007. Marine bacteria were quantified using Marine Agar and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Concentration of a-, b-, g- e s-proteobacteria group was verified through three clones library monthly (November 2006, February 2006, February 2007). The sequencing identified 87% of marine bacteria such as Vibrio sp. The FISH technique to detect higher concentration of b-proteobacteria (10.2%), compared to number total cells (DAPI) which range from 7.0 x 106 to 2.3 x 107 cells/mL. Clones library were composed of the phylum Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Verrucomicrobia e Chloroflexi.

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis / Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the etiologic agents of most cervical dysplasia and all cervical carcinoma. Integration of high risk HPV into the human genome is thought to be a critical event in the progression from cervical dysplasia to invasive cervical carcinoma. The ability to use molecular assays in the detection and evaluation of HPV integration is essential in informing clinical models for early intervention and therapies. We therefore sought to determine the feasibility of real time-PCR (RT-PCR) as a molecular tool in detecting the physical state, episomal versus integration of HPV 16 and 18 DNA in cervical cancers. Tyramide amplified fluorescent DNA in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to look for evidence of HPV 16/18 integration using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of cervical carcinomas. RT-PCR used the ratio of the E2 and E6 genes as a surrogate for determining the physical state of HPV 16 and 18 in 35 infected tissues. Results of RT-PCR showed that 16 cervical specimens (45.7%) contained episomal HPV, 17 cervical samples (48.6%) harbored the integrated form of HPV DNA, and 2 samples (5.7 %) contained both integrated and episomal forms of HPV. Results of the two assays were compared in 25 cervical carcinomas. For 13 of the 25 cervical samples there was an agreement in determining the physical state of HPV. RT-PCR, using the E2/E6 ratio as an assay for HPV integration appears to be promising and may prove to be an essential clinical method in the future.

Cytogenetics of mesothelid spiders is largely unkown. The presented diploma thesis is focused on the karyotype evolution of these spiders. As it is the most basal group of spiders, the analysis of its cytogenetics can bring important data about ancestral spider karyotype. In the framework of my thesis, I analysed diploid chromosome numbers, chromosome morphology, meiotic division, sex chromosomes and the pattern of selected molecular markers that were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. According to my results, mesothelid spiders have a high number of chromosomes and the prevalence of monoarmed chromosomes. Unlike other spiders, mesothelids have little differentiated sex chromosomes. Key words: evolution, spider, chromosome, karyotype, fluorescence in situ hybridization, nucleolar organiser region, sex chromosomes